Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg men's basketball team enters the 2026–27 campaign looking to build on last year's accomplishments while establishing a new identity.
The Bobcats finished the 2025–26 season with a program-record 22 wins, posting a 22–6 overall record and a 13–3 mark in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play. Pitt-Greensburg advanced to the AMCC Championship game before falling to Penn State Behrend, 66–61, ending its historic season just one victory shy of a conference title.
With several key contributors from last year's team departing, head coach Chris Klimchock and the Bobcats will rely on a combination of returning experience and newcomers as they look to remain competitive in the AMCC.
New Faces, Same Competitive Fire
Despite the roster turnover, Klimchock has been encouraged by what he has seen throughout preseason practices.
"We have been making progress in coming together as a team and building chemistry," Klimchock said. "I am very proud of the way our guys have been competing day in and day out."
One of the biggest strengths of this year's squad could be its depth. With opportunities available throughout the lineup, several players have stepped up during preseason workouts.
"I think this could be one of the deepest teams we have had during my time here at Pitt-Greensburg," Klimchock said. "There have been different guys every day that have stood out in practice for good things they are doing."
Filling Big Shoes, Building a New Identity
The Bobcats will look to maintain the offensive efficiency that helped fuel last season's success. Pitt-Greensburg averaged 84.3 points per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.
However, replacing the production and leadership of last year's senior class will be among the team's biggest challenges.
Pitt-Greensburg loses its top three scorers from last season in Trent Rozich, Jackson Byer and Matthew Marinchak. Rozich led the Bobcats with 16.3 points per game, while Byer averaged 15.1 and Marinchak contributed 13.4.
With much of that offensive production gone, Klimchock has emphasized the importance of developing chemistry, particularly on the defensive end.
"Commitment to being connected on defense, rebounding and playing with pace," Klimchock said of the team's preseason priorities. "We also have been emphasizing communication as we lost a big group of seniors and the leadership they brought."
Keffer Leads the Charge
Leading the returning group is Ty Keffer, the Bobcats' lone returning starter. Keffer averaged 9.1 points and five rebounds per game last season and will be counted on to provide experience and leadership for a new-look lineup.
"Ty Keffer is our lone returning starter," Klimchock said. "He impacts the game in so many ways on offense and defense. He sees things out there before they develop and that is a massive advantage."
Alongside Keffer, Jahmir Collins and Ty Freas are expected to take on increased responsibilities after gaining valuable experience in previous seasons.
"Jahmir Collins and Ty Freas have been doing a great job in practice," Klimchock said. "They have both improved each year and have been playing with a lot of confidence so far."
Fresh Faces Ready to Make Their Mark
The Bobcats will also look for contributions from several newcomers, including Noah Blue and Troy Bielak, who have already impressed the coaching staff with their versatility and ability to adapt to the team's system.
"Noah Blue and Troy Bielak have done a great job of showing up every day and making an impact in different ways," Klimchock said. "They are both doing well with understanding our offensive and defensive concepts and putting them to use in game situations. They each give us versatility and can score the ball in different ways."
The Road Back to the AMCC Championship Starts Here
Pitt-Greensburg will have an opportunity to develop its chemistry early with a challenging nonconference schedule.
The Bobcats open their season Saturday, Nov. 7, on the road against Baldwin Wallace before hosting Grove City in their home opener Monday, Nov. 9, at Chambers Hall.
Pitt-Greensburg will then travel to Salem, Virginia, for the Frankie Allen Tip-Off Classic at Roanoke College on Nov. 13–14. Additional nonconference matchups against Waynesburg, Allegheny, Geneva, Adrian, Bethany, Hiram and Westminster will help prepare the Bobcats for conference competition.
AMCC play begins Jan. 6 with a road matchup against La Roche. The conference schedule also features a Jan. 27 home meeting with Penn State Behrend, a rematch of last season's AMCC Championship game.
Eyes on the Prize
While last year's success has raised expectations for the program, Klimchock is focused on the team's development and positioning the Bobcats to compete for another postseason run.
"Our goal is to make the AMCC Tournament and be playing our best basketball during that time in order to make a run in the postseason," Klimchock said.
For a team featuring several new faces and players stepping into larger roles, consistent improvement throughout the season will be essential.
"We want to improve as a team each and every day in practice," Klimchock said. "There have been some very good flashes in practice so far and I hope we can realize our potential."
Forty Minutes. Relentless Effort. Bobcat Basketball.
After reaching new heights a season ago, Pitt-Greensburg will look to prove it can sustain that success with a different group of players. Although the roster may have changed, Klimchock's expectations for the team's effort and competitiveness remain the same.
When asked what he wants the Bobcats to be known for this season, Klimchock delivered a straightforward message.
"A team that plays for 40 minutes a night, relentless effort on both ends of the floor."
The Bobcats will begin their pursuit of another AMCC postseason appearance Nov. 7 at Baldwin Wallace.
